Bugatti Royale (1 of 6 made) | Page 2 | FerrariChat

Bugatti Royale (1 of 6 made)

Discussion in 'Bugatti' started by AxerJk, Feb 8, 2012.

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  1. stevenwk

    stevenwk F1 Veteran

    Apr 12, 2007
    5,470
    Metro Detroit
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    Steve
    #26 stevenwk, May 7, 2012
    Last edited by a moderator: Sep 7, 2017
    I took the family to the Titanic exhibit yesterday for the sole purpose of viewing the exhibit; nothing else.

    Yet, year after year, I am always drawn to this car. As usual, I drag the wife and my girls to the other side of the museum and view the car. My visit is never complete without a look. It never gets old for me.

    How many of you remember the the Testarossa and the 300 SLR that the Henry Ford used to have? Sure do miss those cars too!!!
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  2. AxerJk

    AxerJk Formula 3

    Jan 28, 2009
    2,289
    Livonia, MI
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    Chris Ashworth
    Really?? When did they have those there? I remember visiting a LONG time ago and seeing the Firebird III concept, and had a bit of nostalgia the last few times I visited the GM Heritage Center.

    Chris
     
  3. stevenwk

    stevenwk F1 Veteran

    Apr 12, 2007
    5,470
    Metro Detroit
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    Steve
    Early 1980-1981, but they were there for many years.

    The TR, as I recall, had #16 on the car. My father has pics of the car that were taken in "stereo." That Ferrari was sold maybe 10-15 years ago?

    The 300 SLR was there at the same time as the TR.

    I remember them well.
     
  4. Alan Cox

    Alan Cox Rookie

    May 7, 2012
    39
    Cheshire, England
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    Alan Cox
    #29 Alan Cox, May 7, 2012
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  5. stevenwk

    stevenwk F1 Veteran

    Apr 12, 2007
    5,470
    Metro Detroit
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    Steve
    Chris,

    The neat thing about that particular TR (and the 300 SLR for that matter) is that it was in race worn condition. Patina galore. It looked as if it had just got off the track and deposited directly in Dearborn. I was a sophomore in high school at the time. It was those early years and viewing those two cars which ignited my passion in automobiles.

    Steve
     
  6. AxerJk

    AxerJk Formula 3

    Jan 28, 2009
    2,289
    Livonia, MI
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    Chris Ashworth
    Hey Steve,

    If you are into those types of cars, you should really consider visiting the Simeone Museum in Philadelphia. They have a 250 TR, a 250 LM, Shelby Daytona, '63 Corvette Grand Sport, Porsche 917, and TONS of other 7-8 figure cars. They are all original, no replicas. Once a month, they have a driving demonstration where they actually take these historical cars an drive them outside. The museum is just spectacular. Check it out here: http://simeonemuseum.org/

    It looks like we also live close, do you attend a lot of the car shows around the area?

    Chris
     
  7. stevenwk

    stevenwk F1 Veteran

    Apr 12, 2007
    5,470
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    Steve
    Hi Chris,

    I've heard of, but have never been. Yes, supposed to be spectacular. Hope to make it out one day to Philadelphia and go. -

    On and off through the years I have attended the local shows here in the Detroit area. I am always amazed at some of the significant cars that have gone through metro Detroit over the years.

    Incidentally, in the mid 80's there used to be a nice gathering in Grand Blanc, but I don't know if this event is still held. Many Ferraris; I want to say that it occurs during the Buick Open perhaps.

    Steve
     
  8. dgrperformance

    dgrperformance Formula Junior

    Feb 28, 2005
    311
    Oceanside, CA
    #33 dgrperformance, May 16, 2012
    Last edited by a moderator: Sep 7, 2017
  9. JeremyJon

    JeremyJon F1 Veteran

    Jul 28, 2010
    7,569
    Calgary, Canada
    it makes the TD look like a childs toy :D
     
  10. James_Woods

    James_Woods F1 World Champ

    May 17, 2006
    12,755
    Dallas, Tx.
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    James K. Woods
    TB???
     
  11. dbw

    dbw Formula Junior

    Apr 3, 2005
    897
    palo alto ca
    Full Name:
    dave
    PA.....
     
  12. JeremyJon

    JeremyJon F1 Veteran

    Jul 28, 2010
    7,569
    Calgary, Canada
    i thought was a MG-TD, but now realise it's not...what model is that smaller car?
     
  13. Tenney

    Tenney F1 Rookie
    Consultant

    Feb 21, 2001
    4,085
    TC? Don't think TD had wire wheels.
     
  14. James_Woods

    James_Woods F1 World Champ

    May 17, 2006
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    I think an earlier car than the TC - this has cycle fenders.

    PA is likely.
     
  15. JeremyJon

    JeremyJon F1 Veteran

    Jul 28, 2010
    7,569
    Calgary, Canada
    #40 JeremyJon, May 18, 2012
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  16. velocedog

    velocedog Karting

    Jun 6, 2007
    119
    Michigan
    Full Name:
    Jack
    Again, my recollection - may or may not be 100% accurate.
    I believe the TR was driven by Phil Hill to significant success. It was traded or sold within the last few years to obtain the #16 Locomobile from Peter Helk's estate because the museum wanted to focus it's collection more on American made cars.
     
  17. stevenwk

    stevenwk F1 Veteran

    Apr 12, 2007
    5,470
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    Steve
    What happened to the 300 SLR?
     
  18. kevin956

    kevin956 Formula Junior

    Jan 26, 2004
    495
    Pasadena, CA
    #43 kevin956, Jun 28, 2012
    Last edited by a moderator: Sep 7, 2017
    Christian.Fr likes this.
  19. Il Vecchio

    Il Vecchio F1 Rookie

    Dec 27, 2007
    2,572
    Near Pasadena, CA
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    Peter B.
    MG J2 "Midget" :)
     
  20. James_Woods

    James_Woods F1 World Champ

    May 17, 2006
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    Here we find ourselves debating the lineage of an early MG while contemplating the absolute King of the classic era.

    However, I was sad to see that the Shlumpf replica does not maintain the artistic style of El Maestro.
     
  21. bitzman

    bitzman F1 Rookie
    BANNED

    Feb 15, 2008
    3,287
    Ontario, CA
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    wallace wyss
    I have been working up a little history on the car and am confused , did Dr. Fuchs, the original owner, actually take it to Japan when he lived there before the war? Or was it China? And, in the opinion of those who work for automakers, were the repairs done by Cheyne (changing to two carbs) something a lot of hobbyists could have done, or did it help that he worked for the world's largest automaker? Is it true that Cheyne saw it parked at Saratoga race track in the '30s and that's when he fell in love with it. I am from Detroit and saw this car every time I went to the Museum. I prefer it in its present white compared to the black and yellow it was reportedly ordered in.
     
  22. NürScud

    NürScud F1 Veteran

    Nov 3, 2012
    7,273
    Art in wheels.!
     
  23. tilomagnet

    tilomagnet Formula Junior

    Sep 26, 2010
    308
    To the best of my knowlegde Dr. Fuchs emigrated to the States sometime after 1933. Then the block cracked during a winter in the late 30ies or early 40ies and due to the fact that the Bugatti factory in Molsheim basically ceased to exist after the German victory over France he was unable to source any spares and the car was sent to the scrapyard where CC found it ~ 1943 (???). I think thats the commonly accepted history of this example more or less.

    I also agree that its definately among the best looking Royales....the Coupe Napoleon may be more iconic, but its a truly beautiful car. I also like the white/ivory colour scheme though Ive heard there have been plans to eventually bring it back to how it looked on delivery.
     
  24. RP

    RP F1 World Champ

    Feb 9, 2005
    17,667
    Bocahuahua, Florxico
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    Tone Def
    The Esders green car is the "replica", although using authentic Bugatti parts, and after-all, it was commissioned by the Holy Land of Bugattis, the French National Auto Museum in Mulhouse. I prefer to call it "semi-real".

    Have been there at least 7 times, most recent was in 2011. If you are a Bugatti fanatic, this is the place to visit. First two words I tried to teach my youngest daughter, Ferrari and Bugatti. Knowing the meaning behind those names opens a lot of doors for a woman.
     
  25. readplays

    readplays Formula 3

    Aug 22, 2008
    2,344
    New York City
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    Dave Powers
    The Dearborn Museum had 0704. Yes a Phil Hill car.
    Detail - 250 TR s/n 0704TR

    Best,
    Dave
     

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